On Thursday, President Masoud Barzani received Mohamed al-Halbousi, leader of the Progress Party and former Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, along with his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed the political situation in Iraq, as well as the latest developments in Iraq and the wider region, President Barzani’s office said in a press release.

They also exchanged views on relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government, emphasizing the importance of coordination and cooperation among Iraqi political parties to overcome obstacles and challenges, and to resolve outstanding issues.

The delegation led by al-Halbousi also met with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during which both officials underlined the importance of strengthening relations between Iraqi parties to address the country’s challenges.

The KRG readout also said that both officials agreed on the importance of preserving Iraq’s democratic and federal system, supporting the federal government in safeguarding the constitutional rights of all components, and providing services to all Iraqi citizens fairly and without discrimination.